If you happen to’ve ever puzzled what it appears to be like like when each period of Black music collides in a single place, the reply is ONE Musicfest.
Supply: Andy Doan/Jamyce Corridor for ONE Musicfest
This 12 months marked my first time attending, and from the second I set foot into Piedmont Park, I felt the heartbeat of the town: grassy kicks, ponchos, hoodies, and scarves on, Hennessy cocktails, and all.
Supply: @ItsLaurynBassSupply: Courtesy of ONE MusicFest
The bass echoed by means of Midtown like a heartbeat, and each few steps, somebody was stopping for selfies, hugs, or impromptu two-steps beneath the cloudy sky, though the solar was shining on day one.
Supply: Courtesy of ONE MusicFest
“The OMF expertise was like no different,” attendee Amber Jane advised BOSSIP. “Felt just like the outdated Atlanta days. Between Jagged Edge and a shock efficiency by Usher, stored me heat on the in and out.”
Supply: Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest
That heat was sentimental. From the distributors slinging wings and handmade jewellery to the small enterprise pop-ups giving out metropolis sources, OMF felt much less like a music pageant and extra like a neighborhood reunion that occurred to have the perfect lineup of the 12 months.
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Headliners That Lit Up the Park
The 2025 OMF lineup was stacked from prime to backside: Future, The Dungeon Household Reunion & Pals (honoring Rico Wade), Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Jazmine Sullivan, The Roots, Kehlani, Doechii, Wale, and Clipse, who stopped by Hennessy’s Highline, simply to call just a few.
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Even beneath the drizzle, the gang was locked in, singing and dancing alongside. Jazmine Sullivan’s set turned a sacred second as she devoted “Misplaced One” to her late mom—on what would have been her birthday. You might really feel the emotion lower by means of the air; folks held up their telephones in silence, tears mixing with rain.
“I cherished every little thing about OMF this 12 months. I really felt just like the pageant placed on for the town and the generations of hip hop that got here from it! From Luda, Goodie Mob, and Future, we really noticed a manufacturing happen final weekend! And let’s not overlook about Lloyd shutting all of it the way in which down!”
From Busta Rhymes’ rapid-fire verses to Ludacris celebrating his twenty fifth 12 months within the sport with a hometown set that included a shock look from Usher, Atlanta obtained every little thing it requested for and extra.
Contained in the Hennessy Hub and Backwoods Backstage
Past the levels, the sponsors turned Piedmont Park right into a playground for creatives.
Supply: Francis Montoya / Francis Montoya
Hennessy’s activation and backstage lounge was an immersive world of luxurious and tradition, providing crafted cocktails, curated artwork, picture ops, and a lounge ambiance that felt extra like a personal membership than a pageant pit cease.
Supply: Francis Montoya / Francis Montoya
In the meantime, the Backwoods Backstage was the place trade connections and informal conversations collided. Artist and attendee Nouvel summed it up greatest:
“The perfect activation for me was the Backwoods Backstage. It felt like a inventive hub stuffed with actors, musicians, and a number of the greatest podcasters all beneath one roof. The Clipse introduced pure nostalgia, and Ludacris went loopy, however I’d have to offer it to Leon Thomas. I’ve been ready to catch his reside set, and he didn’t disappoint.
Supply: Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest / Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest
“His vocals have been crisp, and he went off on that guitar. What units OMF aside for me is that it seems like a household reunion combined with an HBCU homecoming: acquainted faces, good vibes, and your favourite celebs strolling round exhibiting love. Shoutout to Hennessy for the free drinks and caviar. This was my third One Music Fest, and I’ll positively be again. It’s Atlanta, in any case!”
That very same power was in all places. Music executives, Mayor Andre Dickens, artists, influencers, and journalists have been connecting over shared nostalgia and new moments that felt monumental.
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Jai’Len Josey: The Soul of the South
A type of standout moments got here courtesy of Jai’Len Josey, an Atlanta-bred artist whose stage presence feels each playful and highly effective. Her voice is easy however unshakable, like somebody who is aware of she’s strolling in her objective.
When BOSSIP caught up together with her backstage, she was nonetheless glowing from her efficiency and dished deets on hitting the stage.
“Simply exhilarating, that is my second One Music Fest efficiency and I’m simply completely happy to be on a stage that helps the tradition.”
Her humor got here out when BOSISP requested how she’s getting ready for tour life.
My greatest tip: Don’t eat all of the gasoline station meals, it’s not essential!”
Even her group echoed her power. Musician C Squared, her keyboard participant, shared,
“Name me biased as a result of I’m her keyboard participant however my favourite artist at OMF was Jai’Len Josey! This pageant was a inventive’s homecoming and I’m positively coming again subsequent 12 months! #OMFALUMNI.”
Josey’s authenticity stood out in a weekend stuffed with icons, reminding everybody that Atlanta doesn’t simply start stars; it nurtures them.
Ultimate Ideas | Atlanta, The Epicenter
As the ultimate notes light over Piedmont Park, ONE Musicfest 2025 proved as soon as once more why Atlanta stays the heartbeat of Black music and creativity.
Supply: Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest
Throughout two days, the pageant delivered each spectacle and soul.
It was a real steadiness of high-energy headliners with intimate, cultural touchpoints that reminded attendees of the town’s unmatched affect.
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OMF captured the evolution of sound and spirit that defines Atlanta’s legacy.
Supply: Courtesy of ONE MusicFest / Courtesy of ONE Musicfest
For a lot of, it wasn’t only a weekend of performances; it was a cultural checkpoint.
Supply: Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest / Andy Doan for ONE Musicfest
The town’s artists, executives, and followers gathered beneath one skyline to have a good time what Atlanta has constructed and continues to maintain: a motion that spans generations and genres.
In a weekend stuffed with nostalgia, innovation, and satisfaction, ONE Musicfest reaffirmed what has lengthy been true: Atlanta doesn’t comply with traits, it creates them.
